Project snapshot
Project: Laxey Fish Farm
Region: Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), Iceland
Delivery model: Direct supply, Ex Works. Client arranged logistics to Iceland.
Scope: 8no. SLHE sliding roof access hatches in marine grade aluminium (2500 x 4500mm structural opening), with C5-H powder coat finish and supervisory installation attendance. First phase of a 32-unit programme.
The challenge
Laxey hf is constructing a large-scale land-based aquaculture facility on the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s south coast. The circular fish farming tanks require roof-level hatches to allow maintenance access, equipment handling, and inspection — but the extreme North Atlantic environment demands materials and finishes far beyond standard construction products. High winds, heavy rain, snow loading, saltwater spray, and UV exposure are constant factors.
Each hatch needed to span a 2500 x 4500mm opening, slide open reliably in all weather conditions, and maintain a weathertight seal when closed. With 32 hatches required across the facility, consistency of design and finish was critical.
Surespan’s solution
Surespan designed and manufactured custom SLHE Sliding Roof Access Hatches in marine grade aluminium, configured specifically for this application:
- Marine grade aluminium construction throughout, selected for corrosion resistance in a coastal/saltwater environment
- Apex lid profile to promote rain and snow runoff
- Thermally broken frame and lid to reduce condensation risk
- 50mm CFC/HCFC-free polyisocyanurate insulation in lid and upstand
- Double unbroken EPDM seals for weathertight closure
- Manual sliding operation along fixed external runners (supplied loose for transport)
- External push/pull handles
- Cover plates to conceal insulation and provide a weathertight finish
- 60 kg/m² snow load design capacity
- Removable external hold-down straps with padlock provision
Corrosion protection
Given the extreme marine environment, all hatches received a polyester powder coated 2-part finish rated to C5-H (the highest ISO 12944 corrosivity category, covering offshore and extreme marine/industrial exposure). The coating system uses Interpon Redox APA primer with Interpon D2525 topcoat, applied to both internal and external faces. RAL colour to client specification.
Delivery and installation support
Due to the hatch dimensions, each unit was supplied in two to three sections for ease of transport, with reassembly on site by others following Surespan’s method statements. The scope included supervisory attendance by a Surespan engineer for five working days to oversee installation. Soft copy deliverables included 3D shop drawings, builders work drawings, method statements, operation and maintenance manuals, and inspection certificates.
Video: factory operation test
The video below shows the manual sliding operation of one of the SLHE hatches during factory testing at Surespan’s facility prior to dispatch.
